The death toll in the Telangana Sigachi Industries blast rose to 42 after two more injured workers died. With 8 still missing and ongoing rescue efforts, the tragedy underscores serious safety concerns. The company promises compensation and medical aid, while investigations continue into the June 30 explosion.
The devastating explosion that rocked the Sigachi Industries Ltd’s manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram, near Hyderabad, has claimed two more lives, raising the death toll to 42. The blast, which occurred on June 30, has emerged as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent times in Telangana.
On Sunday, two critically injured workers succumbed to their injuries at a hospital in Patancheru, intensifying the grief for families and the community. The updated casualty count was officially confirmed by Sigachi Industries in a late-night statement. The company expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the demise of two more of our team members since July 4, bringing the death toll to 42.”
Ongoing Medical and Rescue Efforts
The incident initially left 33 workers injured, of whom 14 have since been discharged after receiving treatment. Eighteen individuals remain hospitalized, battling serious injuries. The company has assured that the best medical care is being provided and that all costs are being borne by the company.
However, the tragedy is far from over. Eight workers are still missing, and rescue operations are ongoing at the site. Of the 143 employees present during the time of the explosion, 61 have been confirmed safe.
Rescue teams including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assistance Agency (HYDRAA), and local police continue to comb through the debris in search of the remaining human remains. Officials have pledged to carry on the operation until all the missing are accounted for.
Forensic and Identification Work Underway
The ferocity of the explosion left many bodies dismembered, requiring forensic analysis for identification. So far, 30 pieces of human remains have been recovered from the site and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Hyderabad for DNA analysis. Authorities have collected 24 DNA samples, leading to the identification and handover of 22 bodies to their respective families.
Many of the deceased were migrant workers from states like Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. As a mark of respect and in a display of logistical support, the Telangana government has been sending the bodies back to their native places with a police escort. Each ambulance is accompanied by two police constables to ensure the safe and respectful transportation of the deceased.
Company Background and Response
Established in 1989, Sigachi Industries’ Pashamylaram facility had maintained an accident-free record for 36 years prior to this tragic event. The company manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose powder, a compound widely used as a binding agent in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules. The unit is ISO 45001:2018 certified, indicating adherence to high safety and compliance standards.
Despite this, the magnitude of the explosion has raised serious concerns about potential lapses in safety protocols. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion. Sigachi Industries has reiterated its full cooperation with investigative agencies and emphasized its commitment to emergency response, family support, and compliance.
“Since the time of the accident, we have been coordinating emergency response, offering family support, and ensuring compliance with investigative and safety review protocols,” said a company spokesperson.
Financial Assistance and Support
In a significant move, the company has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for each family of the deceased. Additionally, it will cover the full cost of treatment for those injured and offer ongoing support to their families. This gesture, while appreciated by many, has not quelled public demand for a thorough probe and accountability for the incident.
The accident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of industrial workers, especially migrants, to unsafe working conditions despite regulatory certifications and safety claims.
A Call for Safety Reforms
As the death toll climbs and the search for missing workers continues, questions are being raised about regulatory oversight and the implementation of safety norms. Experts argue that even ISO-certified facilities need periodic third-party audits and unannounced inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.
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State and central authorities are expected to review existing industrial safety policies in light of this incident, and several labour rights groups have demanded stricter enforcement mechanisms and better welfare measures for workers.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the potential human cost of industrial negligence, and the need for continuous vigilance, even in facilities with a long history of safety.
